President Mahinda Rajapaksa has been informed by the Army Commander of this major success of the Armed Forces in the march ahead along the northwestern coast of the Island.

The Defence Ministry announced that infantrymen of 12 Gemunu Watch (12GW) and 10 Gajaba Regiment (10 GR) successfully negotiated the great marshlands south of Pooneryn last night , and cut off the Pooneryn- Paranthan road (B-69) close to Nallur before dawn today. Troops then marched about 10 Km along the B-69 and entered into the Pooneryn town, where the terrorists have their last bastion on the West coast.

According to the defence sources at the field, terrorists have shown stiff resistance to the advancing troops. Pitched battles are still going on in the area, the sources said, with the terrorists fast withdrawing towards the K- Point.

The capture of Pooneryn is a significant gain as it would enable to opening of a new land route to the Jaffna peninsula.